How To Root Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) Without Tripping Knox [SamFAIL]

Unlocking the full potential of your Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) has become easier with the development of the SamFAIL root method. This groundbreaking exploit, created by the talented team at XDA Developers, allows users to gain root access on their devices without tripping Knox, Samsung’s security suite. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of rooting your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) using SamFAIL, providing you with the necessary steps, precautions, and insights to successfully unlock the true power of your device.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 is a powerful device with impressive features and capabilities. However, to truly harness its potential, many users desire to root their devices, giving them complete control over the operating system and access to advanced customization options. While rooting can be a complex process, the SamFAIL root method simplifies it for Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) users, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of root access without compromising device security.

What is Rooting?

Rooting refers to the process of gaining administrative access to the Android operating system, similar to the concept of jailbreaking in iOS. By obtaining root access, users can access and modify system files and settings that are otherwise restricted. This opens up a world of possibilities for customization, performance optimization, and the installation of powerful apps that require root privileges.

Benefits of Rooting the Galaxy Note 8

Rooting your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) offers several advantages, including:

• Customization: With root access, you can customize your device’s appearance, install custom ROMs, and tweak system settings to tailor your device to your preferences.
• Performance Optimization: Rooting allows you to optimize your device’s performance by removing bloatware, overclocking the CPU, and adjusting system parameters.
• App Compatibility: Some apps require root access to unlock their full potential. By rooting your Galaxy Note 8, you can enjoy the benefits of these advanced apps.
• Backup and Restore: Rooting enables you to perform full system backups and restores, ensuring that your data is safe and secure.
• Ad-Blocking: Rooting allows you to block ads system-wide, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable user experience.

Understanding Knox and SafetyNet

Knox is Samsung’s comprehensive security suite designed to protect user data and enhance device security. When a device is rooted or modified, Knox is triggered, voiding the device’s warranty and disabling features such as Samsung Pay. SafetyNet, on the other hand, is a Google API that checks the integrity of a device’s system to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. Rooting your device with SamFAIL will break SafetyNet, preventing certain apps like Netflix from functioning properly.

Introducing SamFAIL: The Root Method for Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon)

SamFAIL is a revolutionary root method developed by XDA member me2151 and their team. Unlike previous root methods, SamFAIL allows users to gain root access on their Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) without tripping Knox. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of root access while still retaining your device’s warranty and access to Samsung Pay.

The SamFAIL root method involves flashing a modified boot image using Samsung’s ODIN utility software. The modified boot image includes the necessary modifications to grant root access, but it also comes with a few limitations. After rooting with SamFAIL, your device will only charge up to 80% of its original capacity, and you won’t be able to use Magisk to bypass the SafetyNet issue. However, the team behind SamFAIL has provided a simple and comprehensive solution that allows you to root your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) with ease.

Precautions and Considerations

Before proceeding with the root process, it is important to consider the following precautions:

• Backup Your Data: Rooting your device involves modifying system files, which can potentially lead to data loss. It is crucial to backup all your important data before proceeding.
• Voided Warranty: While SamFAIL allows you to root your device without tripping Knox, it is essential to note that rooting your device voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Proceed at your own risk.
• Security Risks: Rooting your device exposes it to potential security risks. It is important to exercise caution and only install trusted apps and modifications from reputable sources.
• Device-Specific Compatibility: The SamFAIL root method has been primarily tested on the N950U model of the Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon). While it may work on other Snapdragon-based Note 8 models, results may vary.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rooting Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) with SamFAIL

Follow these detailed steps to root your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) using the SamFAIL root method:

Step 1: Preparation

Before getting started, ensure that you have the following prerequisites:

• A Windows PC with the latest Samsung USB drivers installed.
• A USB cable to connect your device to the PC.
• A fully charged Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon).

Step 2: Installing Necessary Tools

To begin the root process, you will need to install the following tools:

1. Download the latest version of Odin from the official Samsung website.
2. Download the modified boot image for your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) model from the XDA Developers forum thread dedicated to SamFAIL.
3. Extract the Odin ZIP file and launch the Odin executable.

Step 3: Unlocking Developer Options and Enabling USB Debugging

To enable USB debugging on your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone.”
3. Locate and tap on “Software information.”
4. Tap on “Build number” seven times to unlock Developer options.
5. Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on “Developer options.”
6. Toggle the “USB debugging” option to enable it.

Step 4: Enabling OEM Unlocking

To enable OEM unlocking on your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your device.
2. Tap on “Developer options.”
3. Scroll down and find the “OEM unlocking” option.
4. Toggle the switch to enable OEM unlocking.
5. Read and accept any warning messages that appear.

Step 5: Flashing the Modified Boot Image

Now it’s time to flash the modified boot image using Odin:

1. Power off your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon).
2. Boot your device into Download Mode by simultaneously pressing and holding the Volume Down, Bixby, and Power buttons.
3. Connect your device to the PC using a USB cable.
4. Launch Odin on your PC.
5. In Odin, click on the “AP” button and select the downloaded modified boot image file.
6. Ensure that only the options “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” are checked in Odin.
7. Click on the “Start” button to begin the flashing process.
8. Wait for Odin to flash the modified boot image onto your device. Once completed, you will see a “Pass” message in Odin.
9. Disconnect your device from the PC.

Step 6: Verifying Root Access

To confirm that your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) has been successfully rooted, follow these steps:

1. Power on your device normally.
2. Locate and open the Magisk Manager app, which should now be installed on your device.
3. If Magisk Manager opens without any issues, it means that your device has been successfully rooted.
4. To further verify root access, you can download and install a root checker app from the Google Play Store.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the SamFAIL root method is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips for common problems:

• Device Not Detected: Ensure that you have installed the latest Samsung USB drivers and that your device is properly connected to the PC.
• Flashing Fail/Error: Verify that you have downloaded the correct modified boot image for your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) model and that you have followed the flashing instructions accurately.
• Bootloop/Device Stuck: If your device gets stuck in a bootloop or fails to boot after flashing the modified boot image, try performing a factory reset or flashing the stock firmware using ODIN.

Reverting to Stock Firmware

If you wish to revert your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) to stock firmware, follow these steps:

1. Download the appropriate stock firmware for your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) model from the official Samsung firmware repository.
2. Extract the stock firmware ZIP file.
3. Boot your device into Download Mode.
4. Launch Odin on your PC.
5. In Odin, click on the “AP” button and select the extracted stock firmware file.
6. Ensure that only the options “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” are checked in Odin.
7. Click on the “Start” button to begin the flashing process.
8. Wait for Odin to flash the stock firmware onto your device. Once completed, you will see a “Pass” message in Odin.
9. Disconnect your device from the PC.

Conclusion

Rooting your Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) with the SamFAIL root method opens up a world of possibilities for customization, performance optimization, and advanced app usage. While the process may seem daunting, following the step-by-step guide provided in this article will enable you to successfully root your device without tripping Knox. Remember to proceed with caution, backup your data, and understand the risks involved. Enjoy the newfound freedom and customization options that root access provides for your Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon)!